The latest Nate McLouth MLB and fantasy baseball news

Washington Nationals OF Michael A. Taylor figures to be the team's starting center fielder on opening day with OF Denard Span (hernia) out four to six weeks. OF Nate McLouth (shoulder) is still recovering from shoulder surgery. Taylor, the team's No. 3 prospect, is coming off a strong year in the minors, but he's played only 29 games above Class AA. The Nats would like to see Taylor have more plate discipline, though, and it might make him a poor fit for the leadoff spot.

Fantasy Tip: Taylor is intriguing because of his raw power as a young prospect. With Span not expected to be ready for the start of the season, he might be worth a flier in the late rounds of deeper mixed league drafts.

Washington Nationals OF Jayson Werth (shoulder) took part in outfield drills Thursday, Feb. 26, but he's not at 100% yet following offseason shoulder surgery. General manager Mike Rizzo is optimistic that Werth will be ready for opening day, and Werth sounded cautiously optimistic. "We've really got to get to that eight week point before you can really ramp up anything, and then again, it's eight to 12 weeks before you can really get back to normal activity," Werth said. Manager Matt Williams thinks Werth will likely start hitting before throwing, although there's no timetable. OF Nate McLouth (shoulder), who would be Werth's replacement if he's not ready, is also working back from shoulder surgery.

Fantasy Tip: Werth's injury and recovery will be a big reason why he falls several rounds in drafts this year. Continue to monitor him this spring, and don't be surprised if he comes out of the gates slow in 2015. However, if he remains healthy, he could return some nice value in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.

Washington Nationals OF Nate McLouth (shoulder) doesn't appear to be close to returning from shoulder inflammation. He's eligible to return from the disabled list Sunday, Aug. 17, but he hasn't resumed baseball activities, according to manager Matt Williams.